How the world shares its New Year’s celebration Thu, Jan 1, 2009 | Add a comment Christmas observances typically center on time with the family because we "should.” For some it is fun, comfortable and nurturing. For others, the forced family gatherings are difficult...

Renewed life is gift of Christmas Wed, Dec 24, 2008 | Add a comment Christmas is a time when we celebrate the miracle of birth. As I remember the births of my children, I think of the tiny seeds too small for the eyes to see that carried life. That those seeds...

Less stress could enhance beauty Wed, Dec 17, 2008 | Add a comment Staying up-to-date on the mind-body connection is part of my job for Integris Health. One of the most important tools for staying healthy is stress management. Unmanaged stress can be a factor in...

‘Inner Circle’ helps stepfamilies Wed, Dec 10, 2008 | Add a comment Are you a stepmother? Do you know a stepmother? It can be a challenging role. If you or someone you know could use some help, you might want to give a gift this Christmas of a program called...

Be thrifty, make ’08 best Christmas Thu, Dec 4, 2008 | Add a comment Christmas 2008 is the year it will be acceptable to spend less money on gifts. This is the year extravagance will look out of place. Consider giving gifts that do not require a lot of money but...

Giving thanks a worthy practice Wed, Nov 26, 2008 | Add a comment Giving thanks was a part of every meal I shared with my parents, from the time I was born until their death. In addition to being thankful for food on the table, I watched them find something in...

Women empowered by friendship Wed, Nov 19, 2008 | Add a comment "Shoulds” are typically something I encourage people to avoid. Perhaps it is because the "should” word always makes us feel like we’re being shamed into doing something...

To improve quality of life, risk may be needed to effect change Wed, Nov 12, 2008 | Add a comment Happiness may be the ultimate risk one takes, because you may risk it and get hurt or even fail. When people make an appointment with a therapist, they’re in some kind of pain, yet when asked...

Show grace in journey to death Sat, Nov 8, 2008 | Add a comment "Autumn, when God makes the dying time of the world beautiful” was a line from a poem written by my young daughter for a grade-school assignment. As the seasons change, we are reminded...

Adults wear mask to trick, not treat Wed, Oct 29, 2008 | Add a comment Just when I think I’ve done it all, I get an opportunity to try something new. While I remember donning many Halloween costumes as a child, I’ve never worn one as an adult. Yet here I...

Quick apology corrects a mistake Wed, Oct 22, 2008 | Add a comment "I know you think my mother is perfect, but she’s not … she can hold a grudge!” Everyone laughed … and fortunately, at age 69, I finally was mature enough to do the...

Wise risks can bring life rewards Thu, Oct 16, 2008 | Add a comment We typically think of courage as doing something brave in the face of danger. But courage is also shown in the small ways we meet our daily obligations or reach out to try new things that might...